Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will begin her Diamond Jubilee celebrations by attending the Investec Derby Day on 2nd June 2012. The event is just one of a series of special celebrations marking The Queen's 60th anniversary which gives us an extended weekend with an additional Bank Holiday on Tuesday 5th June. This famous race meeting is one of the oldest and greatest horse races in the world, established by the Earl of Derby in 1779. Today this race for three-year-olds attracts prize money of over a million pounds and crowds approaching 100,000. The rolling hills of the Epsom Downs make this course a unique challenge for horses and jockeys alike. It is also one of the most glamorous events in the international racing calendar. The Queen arrives by carriage, followed by thousands of spectators in their best togs. Racing gets underway at 2pm sharp. The Investec Derby itself takes place on the Saturday, while Friday features a race called The Investec Oaks, and, more importantly, Investec Ladies' Day, which is as much a fashion show as a horse race. Last year, Mickael Barzalona riding French trained Pour Moi won the Investec Derby with The Queen's horse, the 5-2 favourite Carlton House, coming in fourth - she'll be hoping she can improve on that in 2012 to mark her special anniversary year.

Home of both The Investec Derby and The Investec Oaks, Epsom Downs Racecourse is less than an hour by rail from London Victoria or just over an hour from Waterloo Station. Early June's Investec Derby (arguably the most famous horse race in the world) is the UK's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, while the Investec Oaks (also raced in early June) is the third of Britain's five Classic races to be held during the season. More about Epsom Downs Racecourse

The Crooked BilletLondon > Nightlife > Pubs14-15 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, SW19 |
7.6 miles from Investec Derby FestivalIn the warm summer months faithful punters from The Crooked Billet buy their pints before crossing the road to drink on the large swathe of grass ...More

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Hand in HandLondon > Nightlife > Pubs6 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, SW19 |
7.6 miles from Investec Derby FestivalThis great little rustic pub in Wimbledon Village on the edge of the common is a welcoming place with honest bar food - pies are a ...More